Physical criteria for prospective flight attendants sought by airlines

Usually airlines have certain physical criteria that they look for in prospective flight attendants, although these requirements can vary slightly from one airline to another.

The following is a complete explanation of the physical criteria for prospective flight attendants that are generally sought by airlines:

1. Height and Weight

Height and weight are important criteria in selecting prospective flight attendants. Generally, airlines set minimum and maximum heights to ensure that flight attendants can reach the aircraft's overhead compartments and move easily in the confined cabin. The following are some common standards:

• Height:
  • Minimum: 158 cm (for women) and 170 cm (for men)
  • Maximum: 180 cm (for women) and 190 cm (for men)
• Body weight:
  • Proportional to height, which is often measured through the Body Mass Index (BMI). Usually, A healthy BMI falls somewhere in between 18.5 until 24.9.

2. Physical appearance

Physical appearance is an important factor in the aviation industry because flight attendants are the face of the airline and play a role in giving a good first impression to passengers..

• Leather: Clean, healthy skin with no prominent scars or visible tattoos when wearing the uniform. Some airlines allow tattoos as long as they can be hidden by the uniform.
• Gigi: Neat and healthy teeth, without any obvious dental problems.
• Hair: Hair must be neat and clean. Most airlines have rules about hair length and color. Long hair should usually be tied or neatly braided.
• Chicken: Nails should be clean and well maintained. Some airlines allow nail polish, but with natural and unobtrusive colors.

3. General Health

General health is very important because flight attendants must be able to handle the physical tasks and stress that may occur during a flight.

• Vision and Hearing: Good vision (with or without glasses/contact lenses) and good hearing without hearing aids.
• Physical condition: Do not have chronic illnesses or medical conditions that could hinder work, such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or breathing problems.
• Medical check up: Prospective flight attendants usually have to pass a series of health tests, including a complete physical examination, blood test, and lung function tests.

Read Also : Stages of Flight Attendant Health Test

4. Fitness and Stamina

Physical fitness is an important criterion because flight attendants often have to work long shifts, handle emergency situations, and assisting passengers with special needs.

• General Fitness: Excellent physical condition to handle tasks that require physical effort, like lifting luggage, assist passengers with disabilities, and dealing with emergencies.
• Physical training: Many airlines have physical training programs to ensure that flight attendants stay fit and ready to face various situations in the air.

5. Communication and Social Interaction

Although this is more related to soft skills, Good communication skills and an attractive appearance are added values ​​in the selection of flight attendants.

• Language skill: Mastery of foreign languages, especially English, very appreciated. Some airlines require certain foreign language skills according to the international flight routes they serve.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to interact well with passengers and co-workers is essential. Flight attendants must be friendly, polite, and able to handle potentially stressful situations calmly.

6. Skills in Emergencies

Flight attendants must be prepared to deal with emergency situations and act according to safety procedures.

• Mental Readiness: Mentally strong to face emergency situations such as severe turbulence, emergency evacuation, or medical conditions that require immediate attention.
• Safety Training: Intensive training that includes safety procedures, fire extinguishing, first aid techniques, and evacuation of passengers.

7. Age

Age limits are also a consideration in the flight attendant selection process. Although these policies may vary by airline, Generally there is a certain age range that is considered ideal.

• Minimum Age: Usually minimal 18 or 21 year depending on airline policy.
• Maximum Age: There is no strict maximum age limit, however, younger candidates tend to be more easily accepted because they are considered to have better stamina to handle physically demanding jobs.

Read Also : Requirements for becoming a flight attendant: Must go to college first

Below are some common physical criteria that are often sought:

1. Height: Most airlines have minimum height requirements for prospective flight attendants. This is because their height can affect their ability to reach the top of the aircraft cabin and assist passengers if necessary. A taller height also provides a more proportional appearance.
2. Proportional Body Weight: Prospective flight attendants are usually expected to have a weight that is proportional to their height. This is important to maintain a professional appearance and their ability to move freely in the aircraft cabin.
3. Appearance and Personal Hygiene: First impressions are very important in the airline industry. Prospective flight attendants are expected to maintain a neat and clean appearance, including hair, skin, and well-arranged clothing.
4. General Health: Good physical health is very necessary, because flight attendants must be prepared to deal with emergency situations and work in an environment that is often full of physical and mental challenges.
5. No Visible Tattoos: Some airlines may have policies that prohibit or limit visible tattoos while flight attendants are wearing uniforms. This is because tattoos can be considered detrimental to the company's aesthetics or image.
6. Physical Ability: Apart from basic physical criteria, Flight attendants are also expected to have sufficient physical abilities to perform their duties, like lifting luggage, walking down the aisle of the plane, and provide assistance to passengers in need.
7. Good Posture: Good posture is another important thing, as it helps flight attendants to maintain their comfort and physical endurance during long flights.

These are some of the general physical criteria that airlines often look for in prospective flight attendants. However, it is important to remember that these criteria may vary depending on each airline's policies and may also change over time.

Being a flight attendant is a profession that demands a variety of strict physical requirements, in addition to interpersonal skills and mental readiness. Airlines are looking for prospective flight attendants who not only have an attractive physical appearance and good health, but also the fitness and stamina required to handle challenging tasks. Candidates who meet these criteria will be further trained to ensure they are prepared to deal with a variety of situations that may occur during a flight, from providing excellent customer service to handling emergencies calmly and efficiently.

Through a strict selection process, Airlines ensure that the flight attendants they employ are able to provide the best service to passengers and maintain safety and comfort on board the aircraft. Therefore, Good preparation in physical and mental aspects is very important for anyone who dreams of becoming a flight attendant.

Read Also : Types of Flight Attendant Physical Tests

How to Stay Physically Fit

Staying physically fit is a long-term commitment that involves an overall healthy lifestyle. Here are several ways to stay physically fit:

1. Regular Physical Activity: Do aerobic exercise such as running, bicycle, or swimming, as well as strength training such as lifting weights or other heavy exercise regularly. Try to get some exercise at least 3-5 times a week.
2. Healthy Food Choices: Eat foods that are balanced and rich in nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods.
3. Avoid smoking habits and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage your physical health. Avoid or reduce consumption of both to keep the body healthy.
4. Enough rest: Make sure you get enough sleep every night. Quality sleep helps your physical and mental recovery. Try to sleep in between 7-9 hour every night.
5. Manage Stress Well: Find effective ways to deal with stress, like meditation, yoga, or a fun hobby. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your physical health.
6. Drink Enough Water: Make sure you are well hydrated by drinking enough water every day. Water helps maintain optimal body function and transports nutrients throughout the body.
7. Routine Health Checks: Schedule regular health check-ups with your doctor to ensure that you stay healthy and to detect health problems early.
8. Maintain Body Posture: Good sitting and standing positions can help prevent injuries and muscle pain. Try to maintain good posture when sitting at your desk or standing.
9. Engage in Fun Activities: Find a physical activity that you enjoy, like walking in nature, dance, or play your favorite sport. This will make you more motivated to stay active.
10. Avoid a lifestyle that is too quiet: Try to reduce the time spent sitting for long periods of time. Stand, walk, or doing light movement every hour can help maintain your physical health.

By incorporating all these elements into your daily lifestyle, You can keep yourself physically fit and healthy.

If you want to become a flight attendant but are faced with quite strict physical requirements, the selection process is quite strict, I suggest you attend flight attendant school first. By attending flight attendant school, Your physique will be polished and arranged in such a way as to meet the criteria as a flight attendant candidate that the airline is looking for.

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